Solid teratoma of the ovary

Although ovarian teratomas are rare, a working knowledge of the differential characteristics of the cystic and solid teratoma is essential in order to properly inform the patients of their prognosis. The prognosis of cystic teratomas is excellent, whereas the prognosis of the solid teratomas is primarily dependent upon gross extension of the disease and histology of the primary tumor. Thurlbeck and Scully's classifications for histologically grading solid teratomas on the basis of differentiation of the cellular elements of the tumor does seem to have useful application. (Thurlbeck, H., and Scully, R. E. Cancer 13, 804-813, 1960). A grave prognosis is indicated with solid teratomas composed primarily of undifferentiated, atypical, and mitotically active elements; however, solid teratomas, composed of predominantly mature, benign elements, support a favorable prognosis. If the tumor mass remains confined to the ovary, the recommended mode of therapy is unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with bivalving of the contralateral ovary.